Systems and methods for constructing programmable credential and security cards

ABSTRACT

A method for designing and constructing a thin programmable dynamic credential card is disclosed. The thin programmable dynamic credential card may comprise nine different layers carefully constructed to house a battery, a processor, a wireless communication system, a solenoid coil, a graphical display, input buttons, and other electrical components all within the thin form factor of a credit card.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the earlier filed U.S.Provisional Patent application titled “Construction of Card withDynamic, Programmable Magnetic Stripe” having Ser. No. 62/102,943 thatwas filed on Jan. 11, 2015.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of electronic paymentsystems. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the presentinvention discloses techniques for implementing dynamic programmablecredential and security cards.

BACKGROUND

Magnetic stripes are very often used for storing information that can bequickly read back when necessary. A magnetic stripe card is a physicalcard typically made of hard plastic or another suitable material thatcontains a band or stripe of magnetic material such as iron-basedparticles. Digital information, such as an identifier, may bemagnetically encoded on the magnetic stripe as a series of magneticpolarity reversals. The encoded digital information can subsequently beread back by swiping the magnetic stripe past a magnetic reading head.Magnetic stripe cards are commonly used as gift cards, prepaid cards,other types of stored value cards, credit cards, debit cards, employeeID cards, etc.

With conventional magnetic stripe cards, the digital identification (orcredential) information is encoded onto the magnetic stripe on themagnetic stripe card before the magnetic stripe card is issued to theuser of the magnetic stripe card. The user of the magnetic stripe cardmay then subsequently swipe the magnetic stripe card on an appropriatemagnetic card reader that will then read back the encoded digitalidentification information. For example, a user may swipe a credit cardwith a magnetic stripe at a retail Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal thatwill read the digital identification information encoded on the magneticstripe card. The encoded digital identification information (orcredentials) on a magnetic stripe card is in the form of a staticdigital identifier such as a card identification number, an accountnumber, a credit card number, an employee identifier, etc.

Numerous other types of credential cards have become popular such as EMVcards, Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) cards, Near Field Communication(NFC) cards, barcode cards, and other cards. These credential cards havebecome so popular that many people now carry around a large multitude ofplastic credential cards. For example, a person may carry several creditcards, ATM cards, debit cards, a driver's license, library cards,retailer loyalty cards, RFD security cards, EMV cards, electric carcharging cards, security access cards, and other plastic cards withmagnetic stripes, RFID markers, EMV chips, bar codes, or otheridentifiers.

With EMV chips, Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) chips, and otherelectronic security systems, modem credential cars now include a fairamount of electronic circuitry. In order to fit the needed electroniccircuitry within a credential card and keep that electronic circuitrysafe from harm, modem credential cards must be carefully designed andmanufactured. Due to these growing credential card requirements, itwould therefore be desirable to implement systems and methods thatimprove the physical design and manufacturing methods associated withcredential and security card systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsdescribe substantially similar components throughout the several views.Like numerals having different letter suffixes represent differentinstances of substantially similar components. The drawings illustrategenerally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, variousembodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of a machine in theexample form of a computer system within which a set of instructions,for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein, may be executed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional three track magnetic stripe card thatis commonly used for credit cards and debit cards.

FIG. 3 illustrates a programmable dynamic magnetic stripe card with asolenoid coil that may generate a magnetic field.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed block diagram of a programmable dynamiccredential card that may support many accounts and many different typesof Point-Of-Sale terminals.

FIG. 5 illustrates nine layers of a programmable dynamic credential cardcontaining a dynamic, programmable magnetic stripe, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6A illustrates layer 1 of a programmable dynamic credential cardthat provides a top surface for the card.

FIG. 6B illustrates layer 2 of a programmable dynamic credential cardthat provides artwork for button on the card.

FIG. 6C illustrates layer 3 of a programmable dynamic credential cardthat comprises mechanical buttons on the card.

FIG. 6D illustrates layer 4 of a programmable dynamic credential cardthat comprises a structural frame for the card.

FIG. 6E illustrates layer 5 of a programmable dynamic credential cardthat comprises the thicker internal components used in the card.

FIG. 6F illustrates layer 6 of a programmable dynamic credential cardthat comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) used in the card.

FIG. 6G illustrates layer 7 of a programmable dynamic credential cardthat comprises trigger buttons or other components used to detect a cardswipe.

FIG. 6H illustrates layer 8 of a programmable dynamic credential cardthat comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) used in the card.

FIG. 6I illustrates layer 9 of a programmable dynamic credential cardthat comprises a bottom surface for the card.

FIG. 7 illustrates a close up cross-section view of several layers of aprogrammable dynamic credential card in one embodiment

FIG. 8 illustrates the layers of a card design that uses a slot antenna.

FIG. 9A illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment that uses a fourmetal conductor layer printed circuit board to act as both the bottomskin and the main printed circuit board.

FIG. 9B illustrates a cross section view of the four layer PCBembodiment of FIG. 9A.

The Figures depict various embodiments for purposes of illustrationonly. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the followingdiscussion that other embodiments of the structures and methodsillustrated herein may be employed without departing from the describedprinciples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description includes references to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description.The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments.These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” aredescribed in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the artthat specific details in the example embodiments are not required inorder to practice the present invention. For example, although someexample embodiments are disclosed with reference to credit cards andother payment cards, the teachings of this disclosure may be used toprovide any type of credential card with useful technologies. Theexample embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized,or structural, logical and electrical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope what is claimed. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term“or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes“A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated.Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documents referred toin this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety,as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event ofinconsistent usages between this document and those documents soincorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s)should be considered supplementary to that of this document; forirreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

Computer Systems

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may use computer systemssince computer systems are very often used in conjunction with magneticstripe systems. FIG. 1 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of amachine in the example form of a computer system 100 that may be used toimplement portions of the present disclosure. Within computer system 100there are a set of instructions 124 that may be executed for causing themachine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussedherein. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in thecapacity of a server machine or a client machine in client-servernetwork environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (ordistributed) network environment. The machine may be a small card,personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, anetwork router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing aset of computer instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specifyactions to be taken by that machine. Furthermore, while only a singlemachine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken toinclude any collection of machines that individually or jointly executea set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more ofthe methodologies discussed herein.

The example computer system 100 includes a processor 102 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) orboth), a main memory 104 and a static memory 106, which communicate witheach other via a bus 108. The computer system 100 may further include adisplay adapter 110 that drives a display system 115 such as a LiquidCrystal Display (LCD), Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), or other suitable displaysystem. The computer system 100 may also include an input device 112(e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 114 (e.g., a trackpad,mouse, or trackball), a long term storage unit 116, an output signalgeneration device 118, and a network interface device 120.

The long term storage unit 116 includes a machine-readable medium 122 onwhich is stored one or more sets of computer instructions and datastructures (e.g., instructions 124 also known as ‘software’) embodyingor utilized by any one or more of the methodologies or functionsdescribed herein. The instructions 124 may also reside, completely or atleast partially, within the main memory 104 and/or within the processor102 during execution thereof by the computer system 100, the main memory104 and the processor 102 also constituting machine-readable media. Notethat the example computer system 100 illustrates only one possibleexample and that other computers may not have all of the componentsillustrated in FIG. 1 or may have additional components as needed.

The instructions 124 may further be transmitted or received over acomputer network 126 via the network interface device 120. Suchtransmissions may occur utilizing any one of a number of well-knowntransfer protocols such as the File Transport Protocol (FTP). Thenetwork interface device 120 may comprise one or more wireless networkinterfaces such as Wi-Fi, cellular telephone network interfaces,Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.

While the machine-readable medium 122 is shown in an example embodimentto be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should betaken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralizedor distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) thatstore the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by themachine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies described herein, or that is capable of storing, encodingor carrying data structures utilized by or associated with such a set ofinstructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly betaken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, flashmemory, optical media, and magnetic media.

For the purposes of this specification, the term “module” includes anidentifiable portion of code, computational or executable instructions,data, or computational object to achieve a particular function,operation, processing, or procedure. A module need not be implemented insoftware; a module may be implemented in software, hardware/circuitry,or a combination of software and hardware.

In the present disclosure, a computer system may comprise a very smallmicrocontroller system. A microcontroller may comprise a singleintegrated circuit that contains the four main components that create acomputer system: an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a control unit, amemory system, and an input and output system (collectively termed I/O).Microcontrollers are very small and inexpensive integrated circuits thatare very often used within digital electronic devices. A microcontrollermay be integrated along with other functions to create a system on achip (SOC).

Magnetic Stripe Cards Overview

A magnetic stripe card is a physical card typically made of hard plasticor another suitable material that contains a band or stripe of magneticmaterial. The actual magnetic stripe on a magnetic stripe card istypically contained in a plastic-like film for protection of themagnetic stripe. Conventionally, the magnetic stripe is located 0.223inches (5.66 mm) from the upper edge of the physical card. Aconventional magnetic stripe on a conventional magnetic stripe card 200may contain three distinct magnetic tracks 211, 213, and 215 asillustrated in FIG. 2. Each of these individual magnetic tracks is 0.110inches (2.79 mm) wide. Some magnetic stripe cards only have only twomagnetic tracks or even just one magnetic track.

Digital data such as an identifier can be magnetically encoded on themagnetic tracks 211, 213, and 215 of the magnetic stripe area. Theencoded information can subsequently be read by swiping the magneticstripe past a magnetic sensor or read-head. Magnetic stripe cards arecommonly used as gift cards, prepaid cards, other types of stored valuecards, credit cards, debit cards, employee ID cards, etc.

Financial Application Magnetic Stripe Cards

Magnetic stripe cards may be used for a very large number of differentapplications. As previously mentioned, magnetic stripe cards may be usedas personal identification cards (employee identification cards,driver's licenses, student identification, etc.) However, one of themost common applications of magnetic stripe cards is for facilitatingfinancial transactions.

A first type of financial magnetic stripe card is a stored valuemagnetic stripe card such as a gift cards and prepaid cards. Storedvalue magnetic stripe cards can be associated with a financial value(e.g., $10, $50, $200) that can be spent at a designated merchant (e.g.,Target, Starbuck's, Amazon, etc.). Other financial magnetic stripe cardsinclude prepaid debit cards that virtually store a monetary value thatmay be spent at any merchant that accepts the prepaid debit card type(e.g., Visa, American Express, MasterCard, etc.). With non-prepaid debitcards, the associated monetary value is typically an amount stored in anassociated bank account. The most well-known type of financial magneticstripe card is the common credit card. With credit card type offinancial magnetic stripe card, the value associated with the card is anassociated line of credit (i.e., the amount remaining on the creditlimit).

In all of these different cases of financial magnetic stripe cards, whenthe magnetic stripe card is presented at a merchant, the staticidentifying information encoded on the magnetic stripe of the magneticstripe card (e.g., the account number, the credit card number, etc.) isused to lookup an associated value, from which the amount of thefinancial transaction is deducted. For security reasons, the actualvalue associated with the financial magnetic stripe card is not storeddirectly on the financial magnetic stripe card itself, but instead on aserver computer system accessible from the Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminalover a network.

Other Financial Application Cards and Payment Systems

A new system for making payments with financial cards other thanmagnetic stripe cards is the “Europay, MasterCard, and Visa” systembetter known by the initials “EMV”. The EMV system has a much bettersecurity system than a conventional financial magnetic stripe card. TheEMV system is a standard for financial cards containing embeddedintegrated circuits that perform security operations. The EMV cards arecommonly called IC cards, chip cards, or dip cards. EMV cards may becontact cards that must be physically inserted (or “dipped”) into an EMVcard reader or EMV cards may be contactless cards that can be read overa short distance using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.There are standards based on ISO/IEC 7816 for contact EMV cards andstandards based on ISO/IEC 14443 for contactless EMV cards.

EMV cards can interact with EMV capable Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminalsand automated teller machines (ATMs) to authenticate credit card ordebit card transactions. EMV chip card transactions improve securityover traditional magnetic stripe cards because the IC card contains anembedded microchip that is very difficult to copy. Furthermore, thetransactions may further require authentication using a consumer'sPersonal Identification Number (PIN). At a Point-Of-Sale (POS), the chipon the EMV card communicates with the Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal andthe consumer enters a Personal Identification Number (PIN). When thePoint-Of-Sale (POS) terminal is connected to the network, theauthenticity of the card and chip can be confirmed along with theconsumer's Personal Identification Number (PIN). Specifically, the POSterminal may communicate with a backend sever (such as that of a bank)to verify the chip on the card and consumer-entered PIN. If thePoint-Of-Sale (POS) terminal is not connected to a network, the chip onthe EMV card may communicate to the POS terminal whether the PIN wasentered correctly. Due to this ability to authenticate a chip and aconsumer-entered PIN, the EMV system is sometimes called “chip and PIN”system.

Whereas EMV system is a more secure interface than traditional magneticstripe cards, the value associated with an EMV card is still in theonline world. Specifically, the financial value associated with EMV cardis stored on the backend server of an associated financial institutionand the identifier encoded on the physical EMV card is still a staticvalue that is used for identification and authentication.

In addition to the new EMV system, other types of interfaces forfinancial transaction cards also exist such as touch based orcontactless interfaces on the card that communicate the financial card'sstatic identifier to an appropriate card reader using a short rangewireless communication protocol. For example, Near Field Communication(NFC) cards may communicate with a specially enabled NFC Point-Of-Sale(POS) terminal. Examples of such wireless payment systems includePayPass, payWave, and ExpressPay. These wireless interfaces add a levelof convenience at the POS. But as with the previously describedfinancial card systems, the identifier on the NFC type of financial cardis static and associated with a single account with a financial valuestored and tracked on a backend server.

Another type of contactless interface that may be used on financialpayment cards is the Low Energy Bluetooth system known as Bluetooth LE,BLE, or Bluetooth Smart. Bluetooth LE is similar to the well-knownBluetooth wireless communication system but is intended to provideconsiderably reduced power consumption and cost while maintaining asimilar communication range.

Dynamic Magnetic Stripe Cards

Conventional magnetic stripe cards use magnetic media to store thestatic information. The information to be stored onto the magneticstripe card is translated to a binary format and the binary ones andzeros are encoded in the orientation of magnetic dipoles onto themagnetic media on the magnetic stripe card. To read the digitally storedinformation off the magnetic stripe card, the magnetic stripe card isswiped across a magnetic card reader with an appropriate read-head. Theread-head senses the changes in the orientation of the magnetic dipolesduring a swipe across the read-head. The change in the magnetic dipoleorientations manifests as a magnetic flux reversal in a coil present inthe read-head. These magnetic flux reversals in the coil induce a smallelectrical current that results in the generation of a potentialdifference between the ends of the coil in synchronization with themagnetic flux changes. The potential difference between the ends of thecoil is amplified and demodulated to extract the underlying encodeddigital information.

Just as magnetic flux reversals induce an electrical current in a coil,driving an electrical current in a solenoid coil creates a relatedmagnetic field as per Ampere's law. By driving an alternating current,magnetic field reversals may be created. Thus, by appropriately drivingan alternative electrical current in a solenoid coil, the coil may beused to emulate the magnetic stripe of a magnetic stripe card. FIG. 3illustrates a diagram of a programmable dynamic magnetic stripe card 300that has a coil 310 in the first track 311 location where a traditionalmagnetic stripe card would have a first magnetic stripe. The solenoidcoil 310 may be driven by coil driver circuitry 330. By having the coildriver circuitry 330 appropriately drive an alternating current in thesolenoid coil 310 while the programmable dynamic magnetic stripe card300 swiped in a magnetic card reader, the programmable dynamic magneticcard 300 can emulate a traditional magnetic stripe card. Specifically,the coil driver circuitry 330 modulates the alternating current throughthe solenoid coil 310 in time to mimic the external magnetic fluxchanges that a read-head measures during the swipe of a conventionalmagnetic stripe card.

A programmable dynamic magnetic stripe card 300 can be used to overcomemany of the limitations of conventional or static magnetic stripe card.For example, a single programmable dynamic magnetic stripe card 300 canbe used to emulate many different conventional magnetic stripe cards. Inthis manner a user only needs to carry a single programmable dynamicmagnetic stripe card 300 instead of a large collection of conventionalmagnetic stripe cards. Furthermore, the user will not need to searchthrough a collection of many conventional magnetic stripe cards to findthe specific conventional magnetic stripe card for the currentsituation. In a programmable dynamic magnetic stripe card 300, the useraccesses control circuitry 335 (such as a microprocessor) to select aspecific set of information to emulate. The control circuitry 335 thencontrols the coil driver circuitry 330 to drive the solenoid coil 310 tooutput the proper sequence magnetic reversals. Thus, the controlcircuitry 335, the coil driver circuitry 330, and the solenoid coil 310of a single dynamic magnetic stripe card 300 can replaces a largecollection of conventional magnetic stripe cards.

The solenoid coils for use in a programmable dynamic magnetic stripecard may be constructed using a narrow, fine grained, high permeabilitycore material, with a fast (e.g., 2 to 5 kilohertz or higher) switchingcapability. In some embodiments, the switching capability of thesolenoid coil is greater than five kilohertz. Examples of suitablealloys for the solenoid coil core material include permalloy, Mu-metal,silicon steels, etc.

The total solenoid coil thickness (i.e., the core diameter plus the wirediameter plus any encasing structure, encapsulation, packaging or thelike) is less than the thickness of the physical programmable dynamicmagnetic stripe card. The International Organization for Standardization(“ISO”) specification for payment cards, ISO/IEC 7810, defines themaximum thickness as 0.84 millimeters (0.033 inches), such that in oneembodiment the total solenoid coil thickness is less than this amount.In one embodiment, the solenoid coil core diameter is approximately 0.25mm and the wire diameter approximately 0.10 mm (38 AWG).

Multiple Format Programmable Dynamic Credential Card

Instead of supporting only magnetic stripes as a point-of-sale (POS)interface, a programmable dynamic credential card may support manydifferent point-of-sale (POS) interfaces. FIG. 4 illustrates a detailedblock diagram of a programmable dynamic credential card 400 thatsupports several different types of point-of-sale (POS) interfaces. Asillustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 4, the programmable dynamiccredential card 400 is controlled by on-card microprocessor system 404.The microprocessor system 404 includes a data store 405 for storingsoftware code and information needed for operation. The informationneeded may include identification information about the user of theprogrammable dynamic credential card 400, security information, andfinancial identifier information associated with that user.

The microprocessor system 404 is supported by a number of input andoutput subsystems. A first output system is the graphical display system424 that can be used to display alphanumeric text and graphical imagesto a user. The graphical display system 424 is used in conjunction witha user input system 406 so that a user may interact with theprogrammable dynamic credential card 400 in order to make selections,enter PIN numbers, and otherwise communicate with the programmabledynamic credential card 400. The user input system may comprise buttons,a keyboard, a touchscreen on top of the graphical display system 424, orany other suitable user input system.

In addition to communicating with a user, the graphical display system424 may be used to display bar codes, QR codes, and other such codedimages in order to transmit information to scanners at Point-Of-Sale(POS) terminals and ticket readers. Thus, the graphical display system424 can be used to communicate e-gift card identifier information.Similarly, the graphical display system 424 can be used to communicatesports event ticket information, airline ticket information, or concertticket information.

The programmable dynamic credential card 400 will also generally includea wireless communication module 401 for communicating with other digitalcomputing devices such as personal computer systems or mobile computingdevices. In particular, the programmable dynamic credential card 400will likely often communicated with a mobile computing device such asthe user's smartphone. Such wireless communication may occur with Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth LE, or any anothersuitable wireless communication protocol.

In some embodiments the programmable dynamic credential card 400 maycontain a global positioning system (GPS) receiver 403 for tracking thelocation of the programmable dynamic credential card 400. Locationtracking information can be used to have the programmable dynamiccredential card 400 make logical inferences as to what information theuser may most likely need next and display that information. Forexample, if the card detects that it is at a particular retailer wherethe consumer typically uses a particular credit card, the programmabledynamic credential card 400 may prepare itself to act as that creditcard. Similarly, if the programmable dynamic credential card 400 detectthat it is in close proximity to a particular sporting event arena orconcert venue, the programmable dynamic credential card 400 may opt todisplay the coded information for an appropriate ticket for thatsporting event arena or concert venue on this date.

In embodiments without a global positioning system (GPS) receiver 403,the same location-based functionality may be implemented bycommunicating with the user's smartphone. Specifically, the programmabledynamic credential card 400 may communicate with a user's smartphone,obtain location information from that smartphone, and then use thatlocation information to provide the same functionality.

To communicate with Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminals, the programmabledynamic credential card 400 contains one or more subsystems forcommunicating identification and authentication information toPoint-Of-Sale (POS) terminals. Since the current most common type ofcommunication system on financial payment cards is encoded magneticstripes, a programmable dynamic credential card 400 may have a dynamicmagnetic field generation system for emulating a conventional magneticstripe.

Specifically, the programmable dynamic credential card 400 may includesolenoid coil(s) 412 that are driven coil driver circuitry 430 togenerate an encoded magnetic field. The coil driver circuitry 430 can becontrolled the microprocessor system 404 that provides the identifierinformation needed to generate the proper magnetic field pattern of thedesired convention magnetic stripe card. Details on implementing adynamic magnetic stripe system can be found in the co-pending U.S.patent application title “Systems And Methods For Creating DynamicProgrammable Magnetic Stripes”, filed on Oct. 26, 2015 and having Ser.No. 14/922,771. If the programmable dynamic credential card 400determines that it is not secure, the coil driver circuitry 430 will bedisabled.

Although the United States currently largely uses magnetic stripe card,there is move underway to use more secure methods of communicatingfinancial identification and authentication information. Furthermore,there are now a wide variety of new types of financial identificationsystems such as the e-gift cards previously described. Thus, aprogrammable dynamic credential card 400 may have different oradditional subsystems for providing financial identification andauthentication information with Point-Of-Sale terminals.

One type of Point-Of-Sale communication system that may be used is thenew “Europay, MasterCard, and Visa” (EMV) subsystem 431. As previouslydescribed, the EMV system 431 may be a contact or contactless system. Inone embodiment, the microprocessor system 404 controls a switch that candeactivate the EMV subsystem 431 such that the EMV subsystem 431 cannotbe used if the microprocessor system 404 has determined that propersecurity requirements have not been met.

Another type of communication system that may be used for communicatingwith Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminals is the “Near Field Communication”(NFC) subsystem 432. The NFC protocol is a new wireless communicationprotocol that is being implemented within most smartphones as method ofimplementing payment systems that only requires the NFC equipped systemto be in close proximity to an NFC reader equipped Point-Of-Sale (POS)terminal. The processor 404 may deactivate the NFC subsystem 432 ifsecurity precautions have not been satisfied. To reduce costs, the samesubsystem may be used to implement both the wireless communicationmodule(s) 401 and the NFC subsystem 432.

Yet another type of Point-Of-Sale communication system that aprogrammable dynamic credential card 400 may use to communicate withPoint-Of-Sale (POS) terminal is a Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE)system 433. The Bluetooth LE protocol is designed to minimize energyusage and thus extend battery life for mobile digital devices like theprogrammable dynamic credential card 400. Again, the same circuitry maybe used to implement both the wireless communication module(s) 401 andthe Bluetooth LE subsystem 433. Note that the processor 404 may refuseto operate the Bluetooth LE subsystem 433 if security precautions havenot been satisfied.

Another type of Point-Of-Sale communication system that the programmabledynamic credential card 400 may use to communicate with Point-Of-Sale(POS) terminal is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system 434. Aswith the EMV system 431, the RFID system may be deactivated by themicroprocessor system 404 if sufficient security requirements have notbeen fulfilled.

Various different security systems may be used to determine whensufficient security requirements have been met. For example, anassociated mobile device may be registered and bonded with theprogrammable dynamic credential card. Then, if the dynamic programmablecredential card can determine that the associated mobile device ispresent in the immediate vicinity (such as 6 feet) then the securityrequirement may be deemed fulfilled. This concept of a bonded mobiledigital device that is bonded with a specific programmable dynamiccredential card will be referred to as an ‘associated mobile device’ inthis document. In other embodiment, a Personal Identification Number(PIN) may be entered onto the programmable dynamic credential card tofulfil security requirements.

In some embodiments, a biometric security system 409 may be included ina programmable dynamic credential card 400. The programmable dynamiccredential card 400 may require that a user authenticate the user withthe biometric security system 409 before the programmable dynamiccredential card 400 will operate. The biometric security system 409 maycomprise fingerprint reader. Thus, a verified fingerprint on theprogrammable dynamic credential card 400 or the bonded mobile device mayfulfil the security requirements.

In addition to the various subsystems 430 to 434 for communicating withPoint-Of-Sale (POS) terminals, a programmable dynamic credential card400 may also use the graphical display system 424 to communicate withPoint-Of-Sale (POS) terminals. For example, a user may receive a giftcard that includes a QR code or a bar code that can be presented at aretailer for payment. The microprocessor system 404 can cause thegraphical display system 424 to display that QR code or bar code andthen the graphical display system 424 may then be presented to theoptical scanner of the Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal for payment. Again,if the programmable dynamic credential card 400 determines that securityhas been breached, the microprocessor system 404 will not display any QRcodes or bar codes on the graphical display system 424.

Programmable Dynamic Credential Card Manufacturing Issues

Referring back to FIG. 4, a programmable dynamic credential card 400 maybe constructed with at least one point-of-sale communication system andmay contain several different point-of-sale communication systems(solenoid coils 412, EMV system 431, NFC system 432, Bluetooth system433, RFID system 434, etc.). Thus, a programmable dynamic credentialcard 400 requires a fair amount of circuitry embedded within theprogrammable dynamic credential card 400 to operate. However,conventional plastic magnetic stripe cards were never designed tocontain electronic circuitry. Thus, a programmable dynamic credentialcard 400 must be very carefully mechanically designed to contain all theneeded electronic circuitry for the programmable dynamic credential card400.

Fitting all of these electronic components of programmable dynamiccredential card 400 into a form factor that complies with theInternational Standards Organization (“ISO”) specification presentsseveral design and manufacturing challenges. The ISO specification forpayment cards states that a payment card thickness is not to exceed0.033 inches with the exception of a limited embossed area that istypically used for a raised account number, name, expiration date, etc.That embossed area can be as high as 0.050 inches. The embossed areaprovides an opportunity for placement of thicker electronic componentson an ISO compliant payment card.

Even when carefully utilizing the embossed area, some of theabove-described electronic components present special challenges in thedesign and construction of a programmable dynamic credential card 400.For example, the battery for the programmable dynamic credential card400 should have some protection against puncturing. In order to allowfor reliable wireless communication, the wireless antenna(s) should notbe completely enclosed in a shielding material. The graphical displaysystem 424 is typically made of glass (or a glass-like material), andthus should be housed in a rigid frame in order to prevent flexing inthat area of the card. At least one input button should be protectedagainst being inadvertently pressed when inside a wallet, to prevent theprogrammable dynamic credential card 400 from turning itself on in thewallet and draining the battery. In some embodiments, the mechanicalconstruction of the programmable dynamic credential card 400 is designedto provide the ability for the card to flex in the wallet but regainform after the stressor is removed, and abrasion resistance to maintainthe aesthetics of the card.

A Thin Programmable Dynamic Credential Card

To construct a sophisticated programmable dynamic credential card 400,FIG. 5 illustrates a nine (9) layer design for creating a programmabledynamic credential card. The construction of the programmable dynamiccredential card of FIG. 5 consists of a sandwich structure of two thin(e.g., 0.003 inches) non-magnetic outside panels (that may be stainlesssteel sheets) with a non-magnetic frame in the center. The two outsidepanel surfaces and the internal frame to provide the desired rigidityand abrasion resistance for the programmable dynamic credential card.The various electronic components and circuit boards are containedwithin pockets of the multi-layer sandwich structure. The sandwichstructure can be held together using an adhesive or other suitablebinding system. In one embodiment, a pressure sensitive adhesive is usedand in another embodiment a laser weld is used to join the varioussandwiched layers.

FIG. 5 illustrates the primary layers of a nine layer sandwich structureconstruction, according to one embodiment. In other embodiments otherlayering designs and number of layers may be utilized. Note that theadhesive is not shown as a layer in the sandwich structure constructionof FIG. 5, but can be placed between, for example, layers 1 and 4,layers 4 and 6, and layers 6 and 9. Details and properties of eachdifferent sandwich structure layer, including example choices ofpossible materials, are described below in conjunction with FIGS. 6A to61.

FIG. 6A illustrates a top layer, layer 1, according to one embodiment ofthe sandwich structure of the programmable dynamic credential card.Layer 1 comprises the top surface of the programmable dynamic credentialcard. In one embodiment, stainless steel is used for the top surface ofthe card. In other embodiments, other materials can be used, such as adifferent metal, plastic, Mylar, etc. An advantage of using a metal isthat it provides durability and abrasion resistance without requiringadditional lamination with plastic. This helps reduce the totalthickness of the card. The logo and other artwork can be etched orstamped into the metal using standard manufacturing processes. Ifaluminum is used for the front surface, that aluminum can be anodized tocreate different colors for the artwork on the top surface.

The top surface layer may be embossed to create a raised area 619located near the bottom half of the card such that it is within thebounds specified by ISO/IEC 7811 card specification. The raised area 619can be utilized to accommodate taller components but still within totalthickness allowed in the embossed area.

One material that may be for the top surface of the card used is a glassfiber reinforced epoxy laminate (such as FR-4) or a polyimide flexsubstrate typically used in printed circuit board manufacturing. FR-4 isa grade designation assigned to glass-reinforced epoxy laminate sheets.FR-4 is a composite material composed of woven fiberglass cloth with anepoxy resin binder. In case of a glass fiber reinforced epoxy laminateor polyimide, the top surface can be fabricated using a conventionalprocess used for manufacturing printed circuit boards. The conductorsused in such a process (copper, gold, tin, nickel) can be used forelectrical traces and/or for decorative/artistic purposes on the topsurface. Fiber reinforced material in conjunction with the soldermasklayer typically used in circuit board fabrication has the advantage ofvery good abrasion resistance. The top surface may be covered withsoldermask material to provide the abrasion resistance quality.

In the top surface layer illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6A, the topsurface has four cut-outs: one cut-out 611 for a graphical display andthree cut-outs 612, 613, and 614 for the input buttons. It is to beunderstood that the number, shapes and positions of the buttons, andhence the cut-outs, can vary between embodiments as desired. The topsurface may have artwork printed on by means of a conventional printingprocess such as pad printing or silk screening. Alternatively, artworkmay be etched onto the top surface by means of a laser or chemically. Ahard clear coat layer may be added to the top surface (and bottomsurface) for additional abrasion resistance.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6A, the area 619 around the buttonsis raised through an embossing process to provide space for electroniccomponents with a thicker profile. The embossed area and the button areacan be separate or joined together while adhering to the ISO cardspecification. Furthermore, the periphery 617 around the wakeup button(the center button) is raised so that that the wakeup button does notget activated when the programmable dynamic credential card is storedinside a wallet, thereby preventing unnecessary drainage of the battery.In other embodiments the peripheries of other buttons can be raised asdesired.

FIG. 6B illustrates a layer 2 according to one embodiment. Layer 2comprises the artwork 621 for the buttons. The button artwork 621 can beprinted on a thin material such as Mylar, polyester, polyvinyl, oranother appropriated material. The artwork sheet is superimposed on themechanical buttons to provide indicators of the functionality of eachdifferent button. The specific artwork utilized is a design parameterthat can vary between embodiments as appropriate.

FIG. 6C illustrates layer 3 according to one embodiment. Layer 3comprises the buttons 631 that a user may use to interact with theprogrammable dynamic credential card. As illustrated in FIG. 6C, in oneembodiment the buttons are in the form of thin metal discs (e.g.,Snaptron) that provide contact on the circuit board when pressed. Inother embodiments, the buttons can be in the form of mechanical switchesthat can be soldered or placed onto the circuit board in the card. Inyet other embodiments, the button may be capacitive touch switches. Oneadvantage of metal disc buttons 631 is that the metal disc buttons donot consume any power in the manner that capacitive switches do suchthat metal discs will allow the card to operate for longer. In addition,metal disk buttons 631 provide a comforting tactile feel that providesvaluable feedback to the user such that the user knows when the buttonhas been pressed.

FIG. 6D illustrates layer 4 according to one embodiment of theprogrammable dynamic credential card of the present disclosure. Layer 4comprises the frame 641 for the programmable dynamic credential card.The frame 641 provides mechanical support to the programmable dynamiccredential card. In one particular embodiment, the frame 641 is madefrom 0.016 inch thick stainless steel for rigidity. In otherembodiments, other thicknesses of stainless steel or other rigidmaterials are used. For example, the frame 641 can also be made fromother materials such as PVC, FR-4, plastic, or materials used forconstruction of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) such as fiberglass-resincomposites and other materials discussed with reference to FIG. 6A. Thethickness of the frame 641 is constrained by the total thickness of thecard, as well as the thickness of the thickest component allowing fortolerances.

The frame 641 may be used to provide a protective side edge for theprogrammable dynamic credential card. FIG. 7 illustrates a close upcross-section view of several layers of a programmable dynamiccredential card in type of embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the frame704 is the central layer of the programmable dynamic credential card andprovides rigid structure for the card. At the edge 740 of the frame 704,the edge 740 is flared out to provide a protective hard edge for theprogrammable dynamic credential card.

Recesses may be made into the material used for the top and bottomsurface layers to accommodate electrical components. An example of thistechnique is illustrated in FIG. 7 wherein the top surface 701 materialhas a recess made to accommodate a thick electrical component 720. Therecess in the top surface 701 helps hold the thick electrical component720 in place along with the cut-out in the frame 704 that accommodatesthe thick electrical component 720. To accommodate even thicker internalcomponents, the embossed area of the card (as specified by the ISO/IEC7811 specification) may be used as previously described. For example,FIG. 7 illustrates the embossed area 729 being used to fit in thethicker internal electrical component 723. In this manner, thickcomponents such as a battery may be accommodated.

As discussed above, the frame 641 provides mechanical strength aroundthe graphical display that is placed into cut-out area 649 as well as toother delicate internal components housed within the card. In oneembodiment, to provide flexibility yet protect the graphical display andother delicate internal components that need reinforcement, a hybridframe 641 may be used. With a hybrid frame, the framing around thegraphical display (or other delicate internal components) is steel andthe framing around the rest of the card is PVC or another material.

The frame 641 has pockets for each of the components that go onto theprinted circuit board (PCB). The embodiment of FIG. 6D includes a firstcut-out 642 for a solenoid coil, a second cut-out 643 for a battery, andthird cut-out 649 for a graphical display. The specific number, positionand shape of the cut-outs in the frame 641 vary between embodiments.Excess space in these cut-outs can be filled with a material such asepoxy once the printed circuit board (PCB) is affixed to the frame 641in order to provide rigidity for the components. The epoxy also servesas a tamper-resistance system to protect the security of theprogrammable dynamic credential card.

In another embodiment, the cavity in the cut-outs is filled by anovermolding material that is overmolded directly onto the underlyingprinted circuit board. The overmolding over the printed circuit boardmay be done separately from the frame or can be done with the frameincluded. In another embodiment of the overmolding approach, the framemay be eliminated if a sufficiently rigid material is used for theovermolding. In such a process, the overmolding material forms both theframe and filling around the printed circuit board and components. Inyet another embodiment, the cavity might be filled with an insert thatfits around the components. The insert might be made of metal, plasticor fiber reinforced epoxy composites. In all these embodiments, whetherby overmolding, epoxy fillers, hot melt adhesives or inserts, the goalis to provide a flat top surface that is flush with the frame and towhich the top skin can adhere strongly.

FIG. 6E illustrates layer 5 according to one embodiment of theprogrammable dynamic credential card. Layer 5 comprises the thickerinternal components. In the embodiment of FIG. 6E, the thicker internalcomponents include the graphical display 659 and the battery 651. FIG. 7illustrates a cross-section view of how thicker internal components 720,721, and 723 may overlap with other layers such as the frame 704 and theprinted circuit board 706.

Referring back to FIG. 6E, in one embodiment the graphical display 659is in the form of an Electro-phoretic Display (“EPD”). In anotherembodiment, a Liquid Crystal Display (“LCD”) is used for the graphicaldisplay 659. The graphical display 659 is ultra-thin (e.g., <0.030inches). The graphical display 659 may be attached to a printed circuitboard (PCB) using, for example, hot bar soldering, anisotropicconducting adhesive tape, or another suitable technique.

The battery 651 for the programmable dynamic credential card may be inthe form of an ultra-thin lithium-ion primary battery or rechargeabletype battery. The battery 651 may be attached to the printed circuitboard (PCB) using ultrasonic welding, conductive adhesive tape, epoxy,or other suitable adherence system. These adhesive options are calledout separately because the battery 651 cannot go through a hightemperature soldering process, such as the reflow process, that can beused to attach many other electrical components to the printed circuitboard (PCB).

FIG. 6F illustrates layer 6 according to one particular embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Layer 6 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB).The printed circuit board (PCB) houses electronic components includingthe processor, electrical traces for switches, and EMV (Europay,MasterCard and Visa) contacts, an antenna, and dynamic magnetic solenoidcoil. In one embodiment the PCB used is a flex PCB (Polyimide based),which allows for a thickness of 0.004 inches. Other PCB technologies(such as fiberglass-resin composites) with similar thickness can also beused.

Note that FIG. 6F illustrates the area 669 of the printed circuit board(PCB) under the graphical display as being cut out. The reason for thisis that the graphical display is the thickest internal component suchthat it is desirable to minimize additional thickness both under andover the graphical display in order to fit the graphical display intothe very thin form factor of a credit card. The printed circuit board(PCB) might have cut outs over certain areas so as to accommodatethicker components in those areas such as batteries or displays. This isdone to ensure that total thickness is within the card ISO specificationvalue.

In one embodiment (not shown), the printed circuit board (PCB) can besized such that the printed circuit board (PCB) lies entirely within thecut outs of the frame layer. (The cut-outs of the frame 641 of layer 4.The frame may have channels to allow for printed circuit boards (PCB) toconnect from one cut out to the adjacent cut-out. In another embodimentthe frame can overlap with the printed circuit board (PCB) and the twolayers can be bonded together with a very thin adhesive layer (such aspressure sensitive adhesive) in between.

Note that as illustrated in FIG. 6F various areas indicatedmetallization on bottom surface of the printed circuit board (PCB). Forexample, one area of metallization is used on the bottom surface for theEMV contacts. Metallization on the top surface of the printed circuitboard (PCB) for the buttons.

FIG. 6G illustrates Layer 7 for a multi-layer programmable dynamiccredential card according to one embodiment. Layer 7 comprises smalltrigger buttons on the corners of the programmable dynamic credentialcard. These buttons trigger the activation of the solenoid coils thatemulate a magnetic stripe when the programmable dynamic credential cardis swiped through a magnetic card reader system. The trigger buttons mayprotrude slightly out of the back skin and when depressed are flush withthe profile of the card. Multiple trigger buttons may be employed togauge swipe speed and to improve reliability of swipe detection. Inother embodiments, other components may be used to determine when theprogrammable dynamic credential card is being swiped through a cardreader system instead of using trigger buttons.

FIG. 6H illustrates layer 8 according to one embodiment of theprogrammable dynamic credential card. Layer 8 comprises protective filmlayer. This film layer protects the trigger buttons (if used) fromexposure to the environment outside of the programmable dynamiccredential card.

In one embodiment, the rectangular section 681 provides anelectromagnetically transparent window to help allow an antenna tocommunicate with the outside world. This is useful for embodiments thatuse metal outer layers.

For communication with a smart phone over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, or otherwireless communication system, a slot antenna might be provisionedmaking use of the cards metal top and/or bottom layers (and/or bottomsurface PCB traces.) A slot for a slot antenna may be positioned eitherentirely within the card boundary or may extend from an edge of the cardedge to the interior. The length of the slot is appropriately selectedto ensure maximal efficiency of the antenna performance.

FIG. 8 illustrates the layers that may be used to implement a carddesign that uses a slot antenna. The top surface layer 801 has a cut outlocation for the slot antenna. The frame layer 804 has a conductingjoint 841 that is between the top surface layer 801, the printed circuitboard 806, and the bottom surface layer 809. The printed circuit board806 has a radio frequency feed in 861 that provides the radio signal.The slot may be designed such that the slot is slit cut in the metalsurface and/or a coincident slit in the conductive portions of theprinted circuit board (PCB). The antenna is fed with radio frequencypower such that contacts are made on opposite sides of the slot by meansof impedance controlled traces on the printed circuit board (PCB). Thedimensions of the slot and the location of the feed point 861 for the RFsignal relative to the ends of the slot are optimized to allow formaximal efficiency in the antenna radiation and reception. A differentembodiment may have the antenna slot on only one or two conductinglayers while the remaining layers are non-conducting, such as plastic,FR4 or other such non-conducting layers.

Finally, FIG. 6I illustrates layer 9 according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Layer 9 comprises the bottom surface to theprogrammable dynamic credential card. The bottom (back) surface providesthe protective covering for the card. Using a steel skin providesmaximum durability, but other materials may be used as well as describedwith reference to the top surface layer disclosed with reference to FIG.6A. The bottom surface embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6I has openingsfor the trigger buttons or other trigger mechanisms used to detect aswipe of the programmable dynamic credential card.

The bottom surface may have one or more windows to expose certaincomponents. In the embodiment of FIG. 6I, the bottom surface has twowindows: one window 683 for the EMV (chip and pin) contacts and anotherelectromagnetically transparent window 691 for wireless communication.Other embodiments of the bottom surface may have other windows for otherreasons. For example, other embodiments may have window openings forwireless communication components such as near field communication (NFC)components or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) components. Someembodiments may have windows for purposes of creating a slot antenna.

The bottom surface may also be made from materials used in themanufacture of printed circuit boards such as glass fiber reinforcedepoxy material or Polyimide. In such a construction, the bottom surfaceand main printed circuit board (PCB) may be integrated together as asingle unit by means of a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB)process. FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate such an embodiment.

FIG. 9A illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment that uses a four(4) metal layer printed circuit board to act as both the bottom skinsurface 962 and the main printed circuit board 961. Antenna traces 911may be placed on the inner surface of the bottom skin surface 962 toprovide an antenna. The main printed circuit board carries internalelectrical components 921, 922, 923, and 924. The various electricalcomponents can be connected with vias 961 that connected the componentsto the metal wiring routed on the internal metal layers of the printedcircuit board.

FIG. 9B illustrates a cross section view of the embodiment from FIG. 9A.As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 9B, the printed circuit board(PCB) 960 may be manufactured as a four layer board with four copperconductor layers. The top two conductor layers form the main printedcircuit board 961 and may be used for majority of connections betweenthe electrical components (such as component 921 and 923) within theprogrammable dynamic credential card. Thee bottom two conductor layersalong with the printed circuit board (PCB) material between those bottomtwo conductor layers form the bottom surface 962 of the programmabledynamic credential card. The conductor routing layers may be in-set fromthe bottom surface layers for optimal thickness.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9B, the external contacts 991 for the EMVsystem can be on the outside of the bottom skin surface 962. Theconductors for the solenoid coils, components for Near FieldCommunication (NFC), components for Radio Frequency Identifiers (RFID),or antennas for wireless communication may be integrated into the secondlayer conductors/traces used on the bottom surface 962. For example,antenna traces 911 are on the second metal conductor layer from thebottom. Additionally, the metal traces and/or soldermask material on theouter surface of the bottom surface might be integrated into theaesthetic artwork for that bottom surface.

In an embodiment where the bottom surface is created as a printedcircuit board (PCB) that is separate from the main printed circuit board(not shown), the bottom surface PCB still might carry traces andcomponents to enable the above functionality with appropriately madeinterconnects (such as solder joints or conductive tape) between themain printed circuit board (PCB) and bottom surface printed circuitboard (PCB).

Information such as the name of the card holder, account number,expiration date, etc. can be printed directly on the back surface. Inone embodiment this information is laser engraved onto a metal surface.The back surface can also have a signature panel, on which the cardholder can sign.

In one embodiment, the thickness stack-up for the critical area of thecard near the magnetic stripe can be 0.003″ (Layer 9 backsurface)+0.002″ (glue/Layer 8 film)+0.004″ (Layer 6 PCB)+0.002″(glue)+0.014″ (Layer 4 frame)+0.002″ (glue)+0.003″ (Layer 1 topsurface)=0.030″. This is just a specific example and other thicknessescan be used for the different layers and adhesive/bonding options inother embodiments. The thickness in this example can further be reducedby adjusting the thickness of the top and bottom surfaces as well as theframe layer. Note that the frame can be made slightly thinner bychoosing components that have a lower profile. The thickness of theentire card can be further reduced by using laser welding instead ofglue, which works when the top surface, bottom surface, and frame areall both made of metal.

The preceding technical disclosure is intended to be illustrative, andnot restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (or one ormore aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe above description. The scope of the claims should, therefore, bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appendedclaims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as theplain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and“comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, orprocess that includes elements in addition to those listed after such aterm in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim.Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and“third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to imposenumerical requirements on their objects.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), whichrequires that it allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of thetechnical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understandingthat it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning ofthe claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various featuresmay be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not beinterpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature isessential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in lessthan all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A programmable dynamic credential card, saidprogrammable dynamic credential card comprising a multi-layer sandwichstructure comprising the elements of: a top surface layer, said topsurface layer comprising at least one opening for a graphical displaysystem; a rigid internal frame structure, said rigid internal framestructure comprising at least one cut-out for accommodating internalelectrical components including said graphical display system, and ahard external edge for providing a protective side for said programmabledynamic credential card; a printed circuit board, said printed circuitboard having at least one electrical component mounted onto said printedcircuit board; and a bottom surface layer, said bottom surface layerprotecting said programmable dynamic credential card.
 2. Theprogrammable dynamic credential card as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid top surface layer and said bottom surface layer comprises metal. 3.The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid top surface layer and said bottom surface layer comprises a glassfiber epoxy.
 4. The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said top surface layer has a raised area in the embossedregion to accommodate internal electrical components.
 5. Theprogrammable dynamic credential card as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid printed circuit board comprises at least one cut-out foraccommodating internal electrical components.
 6. The programmabledynamic credential card as set forth in claim 1 wherein said top surfacelayer further comprises at least one opening for a for input buttons. 7.The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in claim 1, saidprogrammable dynamic credential card comprising a multi-layer sandwichstructure further comprising the element of: a slot, said slot for aslot antenna.
 8. A programmable dynamic credential card, saidprogrammable dynamic credential card comprising a multi-layer sandwichstructure comprising the elements of: a top surface layer, said topsurface layer protecting said programmable dynamic credential card. arigid internal frame structure, said rigid internal frame structurecomprising at least one cut-out for accommodating internal components,and; a multi-layer printed circuit board, said multi-layer printedcircuit board comprising at least one integrated circuit mounted onto afirst side of said multi-layer printed circuit board facing said topsurface layer, more than one conductor layer, and a bottom surface layerfacing away from said top surface layer, said bottom surface layerprotecting said programmable dynamic credential card.
 9. Theprogrammable dynamic credential card as set forth in claim 8 whereinsaid multi-layer printed circuit board comprises antenna traces.
 10. Theprogrammable dynamic credential card as set forth in claim 8 whereinsaid multi-layer printed circuit board comprises external conductortraces on said bottom surface layer.
 11. The programmable dynamiccredential card as set forth in claim 10 wherein said external conductortraces comprise an EMV interface.
 12. The programmable dynamiccredential card as set forth in claim 10 wherein said external conductortraces comprise artwork for said programmable dynamic credential card.13. The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in claim 10wherein said external conductor traces comprise an antenna.
 14. Theprogrammable dynamic credential card as set forth in claim 8 whereinsaid rigid internal frame structure comprises at least one cut-out foraccommodating internal electrical components.
 15. The programmabledynamic credential card as set forth in claim 8 wherein said rigidinternal frame structure comprises a hard external edge for providing aprotective side for said programmable dynamic credential card.
 16. Theprogrammable dynamic credential card as set forth in claim 8 whereinsaid top surface layer has a raised area in the embossed region toaccommodate internal electrical components.
 17. The programmable dynamiccredential card as set forth in claim 8 wherein said top surface layerfurther comprises at least one opening for a for input buttons.
 18. Theprogrammable dynamic credential card as set forth in claim 8, saidprogrammable dynamic credential card comprising a multi-layer sandwichstructure further comprising the element of: a slot, said slot for aslot antenna.
 19. The programmable dynamic credential card as set forthin claim 8 wherein said top surface layer comprises metal.
 20. Theprogrammable dynamic credential card as set forth in claim 8 whereinsaid top surface layer comprises a glass fiber epoxy.